1.1. Schematic Description of the Higher Education System

1.2. Description of Higher Education System

Higher education in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is governed by two laws:

• the amended Law of 27 June 2018 on the organisation of the University of Luxembourg
• the amended Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education

The public University of Luxembourg was founded by law in 2003 (sole public university in Luxembourg since its foundation). The Law of 27 June 2018 has replaced the founding Law of 12 August 2003.

The Law of 21 July 2023 has replaced the amended law of 19 June 2009. It lays down the legislative framework for higher education in Luxembourg and updates the legal provisions related to short cycle programmes (Brevet de technicien supérieur – BTS) and to to accredited programmes offered by specialised higher education institutions in the Grand Duchy.

The higher education system in Luxembourg is aligned with the structures provided for in the Bologna Process and comprises a short cycle (brevet de technicien supérieur – BTS), the Bachelor (1^st cycle), the Master (2^nd cycle) and the Doctorat (PhD) and specialised studies diplomas in medicine (3^rd cycle).

The short cycle consists of the “Brevet de technicien supérieur” (BTS)
This professionally oriented qualification is awarded upon successful completion of studies in one of the following areas: industrial and commercial professions, applied arts, crafts and services and health. Learners prepare for the BTS by attending a course at a secondary school with internships in the work environment. The course of studies for obtaining the programme is organised in modules, each lasting one semester, comprising one or several study units, and allocating a certain number of ECTS. The studies normally last 2 years, the maximum study duration for a full-time student being 8 semesters. The BTS is awarded to students who have gained all the ECTS credits allocated to the programme (minimum 120 ECTS credits) and satisfied all curricular requirements. Elements of BTS training may be recognised for further studies in a Bachelor’s programme within the same or a related field. Decisions regarding the validation of prior learning outcomes are solely determined by the institution offering the relevant Bachelor’s programme.

The first cycle consists exclusively of programmes leading to a bachelor’s degree
These degree programmes provide students with an adequate command of general scientific methods and contents as well as with specific professional skills.  The studies normally last 3 or 4 years. The Bachelor is awarded to students who have gained 180 or 240 ECTS credits respectively and satisfied all curricular requirements, including the production of a final written paper or equivalent final project.

The second cycle comprises programmes leading to a master’s degree
They provide education at an advanced level for the exercise of highly qualified activities in specific areas.  The studies normally last 1 to 3 years, according to the programme. The master’s degree is issued after completion of a full study programme of at least 60 ECTS and of a maximum of 180 ECTS  at the given education level, provided that the student has gained at least 300 ECTS credits in total, bachelor’s degree included. The master’s degree is awarded to students who satisfied all curricular requirements, including the production and defence of an original dissertation.

The third cycle consists of the Doctorat (PhD) and the Specialised Studies Diplomas in Medicine, leading to the degree of Doctor in Medicine
The PhD students enrolled in programmes leading to a doctoral degree will acquire methodologies for advanced scientific research, will be trained in new technologies and will work in research laboratories, if appropriate.
Studies last at least three years and include the completion and defence of an original research project , as well as the participation in courses that are part of the relevant study programme and focus on acquiring methodological and interdisciplinary skills.
The University of Luxembourg also offers specialised medical studies in the fields of general medicine, medical oncology and neurology, which are compliant with the provisions of articles 24 and 28 of the directive 2005/36/EC and are listed in its annexes 5.1.3. and 5.1.4.. These studies lead to the diplôme d’études spécialisées en médecine and the concurrent awarding of the academic degree of Doctor in Medicine. The duration of these studies ranges from 8 to 10 semesters, depending on the discipline. They include at least two semesters of research activities and the submission of a thesis.

1.3. List of Higher Education Institutions

The list of accredited higher education programmes in Luxembourg can be found under the following link: https://mesr.gouvernement.lu/en/demarches/reconnaissance-academique/diplomes-nationaux/liste-des-formations-d-enseignement-superieur-reconnues.html

1.4. Number of Students in Higher Education

General number of students (academic year 2023/24, public HE sector)

Total: 8429

• Short cycle: 793
• First cycle: 3369
• Second cycle: 1899
• Third cycle: 1038
• Others: 1330

From those 7636 students enrolled at the University of Luxembourg (1^st to 3^rd cycle and others):

• 50,24% obtained their high school degree in Luxembourg
• 28,12% obtained their high school degree in other EU-countries
• 21,64% obtained their high school degree in a third country.
• For the academic year 2023-2024, 94,5% of the students who graduated with a bachelor degree from the University of Luxembourg did a mobility abroad.
• During that same period, the university counted 5,5% of incoming mobility students.

Important to note: A mobility period abroad of at least 1 semester is required by law in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree at the University of Luxembourg.

Students enrolled in short cycle programmes may also be mobile, especially in the form of an internship abroad, but the numbers are not available.

1.5. Structure of Academic Year

According to the Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education, the study year begins on 15 September of each year and ends on 14^th September of the following year. It is divided into two semesters, the winter and the summer semester. For the University of Luxembourg, the academic calendar can be found under the following link:
https://wwwen.uni.lu/university/about_the_university/academic_calendar

1.6. National Qualifications Framework (or Similar)

Like the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), Luxembourg’s National Qualifications Framework (Cadre luxembourgeois des qualifications – CLQ) comprises eight levels:

Certification levels 6 to 8 fall within the remit of the ministry of Research and Higher Education. Responsibility for the certifications at level 5 lies with the ministry of National Education for the Master Craftsmanship Diploma and with the ministry of Research and Higher Education for the “Brevet de technicien supérieur” (BTS) (short cycle programmes).

The learning outcomes of each qualification are described by 3 categories of descriptors.
These descriptors set out in a general and non-disciplinary way what a learner usually knows, understands and is able to do at the end of a learning process.

These three categories of descriptors are:

• Knowledge (savoirs)
• Skills (aptitudes)
• Attitude (attitudes).

‘Knowledge’ should be understood as the outcome of the assimilation of information as a result of education and training. Knowledge refers to a group of facts, principles, theories and practices connected with a particular area of study or work; ‘assimilation’ is defined as the process by which knowledge or know-how is integrated by the learner. ‘Skills’ should be understood as referring to the ability to apply knowledge to the completion of tasks and the resolution of problems.
As in the European Qualifications Framework, skills may be either:

• cognitive (use of logical, intuitive and creative thinking), or
• practical (based on both dexterity and the use of method, equipment, tools and instruments).

‘Attitude’ should be understood as referring to personal and social abilities in work or study situations and for professional or personal development:

• Personal abilities are characterised by an autonomous, responsible disposition that allows critical consideration of one’s own actions and the actions of other people; they also define the scope of a person’s own development through either study or practice
• Social skills depend on an autonomous, responsible disposition that allows working with others and considering other people’s interests.
• For levels 5 to 8, the descriptors are defined as communication aptitudes and the ability to form judgments.

The CLQ is linked to EQF and (concerning its levels 5 to 8) to the QF-EHEA.

The descriptors were developed with reference to existing certifications as well as to the European descriptors (knowledge, skills, and competences).

https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/luxembourg/overview

1.7. Learning Outcomes in Higher Education

The Luxembourg National Qualifications Framework is linked to working with learning outcomes on programme level. HE-curricula are based on learning outcomes.

Both the Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education and the modified law of 27 June 2018 on the organisation of the University of Luxembourg foresee the issuing of diploma supplements that describe the knowledge and skills acquired by the holder of the diploma.

1.8. Admission Requirements to Higher Education

Admission to levels 5 and 6 is conditional on first obtaining one of the following diplomas referenced at level 4: the Luxembourgish (classical or general) secondary school leaving certificate, the Access to higher education diploma (diplôme d’accès aux études supérieures – DAES) or comparable foreign qualifications. Holders of a Luxembourgish technician diploma or DAP (diplôme d’aptitude professionnelle) who have successfully completed the required preparatory modules, or holders of equivalent foreign qualifications, can be admitted to a degree programme in a field corresponding to their prior qualification. Access can also be granted through a procedure of validation of prior learning. Admission to some degree courses may be based on specific course requirements.
Access to the master’s level is by a bachelor’s degree or a comparable foreign degree corresponding to the level 6 of the Luxembourg qualifications framework; admission is based on specific course requirements determined by the higher education institutions. Access can also be granted through a procedure of validation of prior learning.

Access to specialised medical studies is reserved for candidates holding a basic medical training compliant with the provisions of article 24 of the directive 2005/36/EC.

Access to the doctorate level is by a master’s degree (or a comparable foreign degree corresponding to the level 7 of the Luxembourg qualifications framework).

Third-country nationals must be authorised to reside in Luxembourg in accordance with the amended Law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and immigration in order to enrol in a study programme. The enrolment procedure at the University of Luxembourg for third-country nationals is described in the University’s study regulations and under the following link: https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/

1.9. Grading System

The following grading system is legally binding:

1.10: Tuition Fee System for International Students

Higher Education in Luxembourg is mainly public and not as expensive as in many other European and non-European countries. Tuition fees are the same for local, European and international students.

University of Luxembourg: 400€ /semester for most programmes, higher fees for some Master programmes

An administrative application fee also applies (100€ per application).

Advanced technician’s diploma (BTS – Short cycle): 150€ / semester

Private institutions: Tuition fees vary between institutions and according to the programmes.

Part-time study programmes: Tuition fees are generally high and vary according to the programmes.

1.11. Graduation Requirements and/or Qualification Awarding Requirements

Each cycle gives access to/is set up of the following number of credits:

• Short cycle: 120-180 ECTS credits
• Bachelor: 180-240 ECTS credits
• Master: 60-180 ECTS credits
• Specialised medical studies: 240-300 ECTS

In all these cycles, students must obtain at least 10 points out of 20 as an average mark per module.

Furthermore, students in first, second and third cycles need to satisfy all curricular requirements, including the production of a final written paper or defence of an original dissertation and/or research project.

1.12. Relevant Current and Prospective Reforms in Higher Education

The most recent policy reform is the Law of 21^st July 2023 on the organisation of higher education. It replaces the law of 19 June 2009 on the organisation of higher education and defines the general framework for higher education in Luxembourg. An important new aspect of this law is the protection of designations and titles to ensure that only institutions and programmes recognised by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education can use the titles and designations in question. In this context, the grade of ‘doctor of medicine’ is also introduced, conferred on holders of a diploma of specialised studies in medicine from the University of Luxembourg. To strengthen the coherence of the national higher education system, many of the provisions relating to the implementation of accredited study programmes offered by specialised higher education institutions have been aligned with the relevant provisions of the law of 27 June 2018 on the organisation of the University of Luxembourg and the accreditation process for these study programmes as well as for short cycle programmes (brevet de technician supérieur – BTS) have been harmonized). The official text is only available in French.
Furthermore, the governmental programme 2022-2027 foresees that the accreditation procedures currently in place for specialized higher education institutions and short cycle programmes will be extended to the bachelor and master programmes of the University of Luxembourg.

2.1: Quality Assurance Body in Higher Education

Luxembourg does not have a national quality assurance agency. The Ministry of Higher Education has recourse to foreign agencies and experts.

2.2. Quality Assurance System

According to the amended Law of 27 June 2018, the University of Luxembourg is subject to external evaluation every four years. The Minister of Research and Higher Education commissions a foreign agency to perform an evaluation reviewing the institution, its research as well as its learning and teaching activities, whereas the institutional level is an integral part of the evaluation and the other areas are being reviewed alternately.

The study programmes leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD’s, as well as Doctor of Medicine degrees, offered by the University of Luxembourg, are automatically recognised by law as leading to national higher education diplomas.

The Law of 21 July 2023 on the organisation of higher education provides for external quality assurance and accreditation procedure for short cycle programmes offered by secondary schools leading to the BTS, as well as for specialised higher education institutions and their study programmes leading to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

In order to obtain ministerial accreditation, short cycle study programmes (BTS) as well as specialised higher education institutions and their programmes are evaluated by the Dutch-Flemish accreditation agency NVAO (Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie), which is registered with EQAR (the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education) and holds affiliate membership with ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education).

2.3: Programme Authorisation and Quality Assurance

The bachelor, master and PhD programmes offered by the University of Luxembourg, created by law, are automatically recognised.

The accreditation procedure of a programme offered by a specialised HEI offering accredited programmes, based on the principles of the European Quality Standards and Guidelines, is always intrinsically linked to the accreditation of the institution. The QA procedure foresees both; a programme cannot be evaluated without taking into consideration the institution as a whole.

A list of all accredited higher education study programmes is available on the Ministry of Research and Higher Education’s website.

3.1. Description of Credit System

The results of learning are assigned ECTS credits. Credits in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) are units of measurement based on the volume of work / workload each student has to complete.

60 credits correspond to one year of full-time study. 1 credit is the equivalent of 25 to 30 hours of work required of the student in order to achieve determined learning outcomes.
The credits are granted to students when they complete the conditions for validation of the teaching and the learning outcomes.

3.2. Credit Transfer System(s)

ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

3.3. Additional Information

Not applicable.

3.4. Is Application of Credit System in Higher Education Institutions Mandatory?

Yes.

3.5. Number of Credits per Academic Year/Semester

The average/standard number of credits gained by students per semester is 30 ECTS credits (60 ECTS credits per academic year).

3.6. Number of Credits per Higher Education Cycle

Each cycle gives access to/is set up of the following number of credits (minimum – maximum):

• Short cycle: 120-180 ECTS credits
• Bachelor: 180-240 ECTS credits
• Master: 60-180 ECTS credits
• Specialised Medical Studies: 240-300 ECTS

3.7. Description of Credit Unit

According to the law, 1 ECTS credit represents 25-30 hours of workload, including classes and preparation time.

3.8. Link between Learning Outcomes and Credits

Learning outcomes and credits are not related.